This 107 mertes long, 40 metres wide and 136 metres tall massive church was dedicated to St. Stephen. The building is made of limestone but soot and other forms of air pollution accumulating on the church have given it a black color. However, recent restoration projects have again returned the building to its original white.

The Cathedral’s massive south tower is its highest point and a dominant feature of the Vienna skyline. At the tip of the tower stands the double-eagle imperial emblem with the Habsburg-Lorraine coat of arms on its chest, surmounted by a double-armed apostolic cross. The north tower stands at 68 meters tall (223 ft), roughly half the height of the south tower.

The main entrance to the church is named the Giant’s Door. The tympanum above the Giant’s Door depicts Christ Pantocrator flanked by two winged angels. On the left and right are the two Roman Towers. The Roman Towers, together with the Giant’s Door, are the oldest parts of the church.

The cathedral stands high in glory with its ornately patterned, richly coloured roof, 111 meters (361 ft) long, and covered by 230,000 glazed tiles. The roof is so steep that it is sufficiently cleaned by the rain alone and is seldom covered by snow. St. Stephen’s Cathedral has 23 bells in total.

There are 18 altars in the main part of the church, and more in the various chapels. There are several formal chapels in St. Stephen’s Cathedral including St. Katherine’s Chapel, St. Barbara’s Chapel, St. Eligius’s Chapel, St. Valentine’s Chapel and many more.

The original building was taken over by Duke Albert of Saxen-Teschen who used it as his residence and later brought his graphics collection there from Brussels. The collection was expanded by Albert’s successors. In 1776, the Austrian ambassador of Venice presented nearly 1,000 pieces of art to Duke Albert and his wife Maria Christina.

Since 1805 it has been founded in one of the most magnificent neoclassical palaces in Europe: the Palais Albertina. The Batliners then set up the Herbert and Rita Batliner Art Foundation, which transferred the artworks to the Albertina as a permanent loan. The museum houses works from the Swiss collection of Eva and Mathias Forberg, around 100 works from the Batliner Collection,  outstanding works by Paul Klee from the Carl Djerassi Collection, paintings by Monet, Renoir, Cézanne, Matisse, Miró, Klee, Kandinsky, Chagall, and other masters along with late works by Picasso and exhibits by Rothko and Bacon and works by contemporary artists such as Anselm Kiefer and Gerhard Richter.

Although the Albertina is a state museum, it is particularly fortunate because it gets a larger proportion of its budget from the private sector than other museums in Austria. When in Vienna, the museum is a must see by all the art lovers.

The 11 kilometer-long City Hiking Trail 1 begins at the terminus of tram line D in Vienna’s heurige town of Nussdorf and leads you to the Vienna Woods and Danube, through vineyards and woods to the Stefaniewarte on the Kahlenberg. On the you can stop by at Restaurant Kahlenberg as well as at the heurige on Wildgrubgasse, Kahlenberger Straße and in Nussdorf. If you take the City Hiking Trail 1a, you get to hike along the Danube beach promenade, climb the Leopoldsberg and the Kahlenberg and end up in the romantic Kahlenbergerdorf.

The 120 kilometer-long Rundumadum Hiking Trail has inns and shelters for resting in between the hike. The trail encircles the city in 24 easy to manage stages.

The 17 kilometer long circular First Vienna Water Trail is for those who love waters. It starts from the Lower Old Danube (U1 Alte Donau) to the National Park Donauauen. Those who prefer the shorter distance of 7.5 kilometers can turn around at the Kaisermühlenspitz and finish their tour with a walk across the Kagran Bridge.

When visiting Green Prater, you can take up the 13 kilometer-long City Hiking Trail 9, which takes you directly from Praterstern (U1 Praterstern) away from the main avenue on the level to the little water meadow area at Freudenau.

The famous City Hiking Trail 5 lets you walk through old cellar lanes, roam through vineyards and oak woods and catch a glimpse of the rare orchids that grow here. Hiking companions are available for free at the starting point of your tour in the heurige town of Stammersdorf.

Tiergarten Schönbrunn(Vienna zoo) – this is located very close to the palace in Schönbrunner Schlossstrasse. This zoo built in the mid-18^th century has a wide range of animals kept within it. Children are especially fascinated by its animals. This is another place you must visit. You wil be awed by the cleanliness and concern that the zookeepers have.

Schloss Schönbrunn (Schönbrunn Palace) – this palace is located in the street Schönbrunner Schlosspark, Vienna, AT-1130, Austria, AT.  To visit this entire faculty you need at least half a day. The palace features 40 exceptionally furnished rooms that will hold you in awe. Not only this, its gardens are even more remarkable. Wide expanses of greenery spreading around it like an oasis of calm on earth. The spectacular view it offers is breadthtaking!

Botanische Gärten der Universität Wien (University Botanical Gardens) – these gardens are located in Mechelgasse 2, Landstrasser Gürtel 1, Vienna, AT-1030, Austria, AT. Covering an area of 20 acres / 8 hectares, this garden is truly a sight to behold. The tranquility is almost tangible in the air. Built by Empress Maria Theresia, as a rather grand herb garden, this garden today is one of the leading attractions of Vienna. It features several plant species that hold special significance in the field of botany. Its construction and architecture are excellent examples of Viennese culture and excellence. It is open daily and entry is free of cost.

Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) / Staatsoper (Opera House) – this opera house is located in 2 Opernring, Vienna, AT-1010, Austria, AT. A performance by the Vienna State Opera is an experience that must not be missed at any cost. It is one of the best opera companies in the whole of Europe.  The building itself is a breathtaking sight with its Neo-Romantic façade and palatial features. It dates back to the 1860s. However the original opera house had to be rebuilt following damages that it sustained during the WWII. Its size is enormous and it can accommodate as many as 2000 people! If you ever visit Vienna you must visit the Opera house. It is open almost daily while the timings vary from show to show. There is an entry fee.

Watersports on the Old Danube – Located in  Vienna, Austria, AT, the ‘Old Danube’ is a long stretch of clear blue water. While it is certainly a picturesque sight, it is also a source of goo entertainment. During the summer month a variety of water sports are hosted here and this is the major cause for its popularity. Not only the tourists but also the Viennese flock to this island to swim, sail or even windsurf. This is the perfect place for you if you are a fun-loving person. It is open daily and the entry is free.

Prater Amusement Park / Riesenrad (Giant Wheel) – this place is located in Prater 9, Wiener Praterverband, Vienna, AT-1020, Austria, AT. Filled with fun and frolic this amusement park is another must visit. Located close to Vienna city centre, it features rides ranging from merry-go-rounds and ghost trains, to go-karts and speedy roller coasters, perfect for those looking for a quick adrenaline rush. The ride Riesenrad transports passengers to a height of more than 65 metres / 213 feet, where the views are awe-inspiring. Though filled with many modern rides, this park’s roots date back to the 19th century. The spreading ‘Green Prater’ forest is also located close by.

Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna, Vienna hotels near Opera House

Overview of the Hotel: Located in the immediate vicinity of Belvedere Palace, Hotel Savoyen offers comfortable and spacious rooms and suites, an excellent restaurant and a convenient location close to central Vienna. Located in the quiet embassy district, the hotel is surrounded by historic buildings full of tradition. It offers direct access to the Botanical Gardens in the beautiful park of Belvedere Palace, and is an ideal starting point for sightseeing and business meetings in the center. Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna, situated in the former building of the Austrian State Printing House, features Vienna’s most modern and varied conference facilities as well as the city’s largest ballroom. Park you car in the Austria Trend Hotel Savoyen Vienna’s garage and walk in the footsteps of Mozart, Schubert and Klimt. The heart of the hotel is the atrium, featuring a minimalist design and extending upwards over 6 floors. It is the hub to all important areas of the hotel, such as the 11,366 ft² ballroom and the configurable seminar and conference rooms. They are flooded with sunlight and equipped with state-of-the-art technology for conferences and seminars. The rooms and suites are between 344 and 646 ft² in size and feature classically-modern architecture and sophisticated design. All rooms boast state-of-the-art facilities, including individually adjustable air conditioning, flat screen TVs, free internet, laptop-size safes, sofas and bathtub or shower with separate toilet and bidet.

Amenities at the Hotel: The hotel offers Restaurant, Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Non-Smoking Rooms, Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests, Elevator, Safe, Heating, Baggage Storage, All Public and Private spaces non-smoking. The guests can enjoy Sauna, Fitness Center, Massage and Turkish/Steam Bath. Other services include Room Service, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, VIP Room Facilities, Ironing Service, Souvenirs/Gift Shop, Shoe Shine, Car Rental and Fax/Photocopying. Wi-fi is available in public areas and is free of charge. Wired internet is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge. Private parking is possible on site (reservation is not needed) and costs EUR 25 per day. The fitness and spa area features a sauna, a steam bath and modern exercise equipment, and also offers massages and body treatments. Thee restaurant serves upscale regional cuisine as well as dishes from the Mediterranean world. It is the place at the Savoyen where you feel especially at ease, with your senses of taste and smell equally stimulated. The rich breakfast buffet is available between 6:30am and 10:30am. Lunch is served from 12pm to 3pm, dinner from 6pm to 10pm. The bar “Soissons” is the ideal spot to unwind after a long day. It is open from 8am to 1am.

Hotel Rules: The Check-in time for the hotel is from 15:00 hours and the Check-out time is until 11:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. One child under 11 years stays free of charge when using existing bedding. One child under 2 years stays free of charge in a baby cot. Maximum capacity of babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Pets are allowed. Charges may be applicable. Accepted credit cards are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Superior Single Room: € 183
Included in room price: 10 % VAT

Superior Double Room: € 320
Included in room price: 10 % VAT

Executive Single Room: € 198
Included in room price: 10 % VAT

Executive Double Room: € 355
Included in room price: 10 % VAT

Suite: € 375
Included in room price: 10 % VAT

Hotel Fürst Metternich, Vienna hotels near train station

Overview of the Hotel: Belonging to the chain of Austrotel Hotels, the Fürst Metternich is a cozy boutique hotel in a quiet side street of Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s main shopping boulevard. Mariahilfer Straße, Vienna’s most important shopping street, has Neubau, in the south, the valley of the Vienna River, in the west, the Gürtel beltway. The Museum Quarter is within easy walking distance, and the Zieglergasse subway station (line U3) is only 110 yards away. The hotel was built in 1897, and looks like a traditional Art Nouveau building forming part of a typical Viennese row of houses. The hotel has 55 comfortable and spacious rooms with high ceilings. The legendary hotel bar “Barfly’s” offers a wide range of cocktails, drinks and cigars.

Amenities at the Hotel: One can avail of Bar, 24-Hour Front Desk, Non-Smoking Rooms, Elevator, Safe, Heating, Baggage Storage, and Gay Friendly atmosphere in the hotel. Wi-fi is available in the entire hotel and is free of charge. Public parking is possible at a location nearby (reservation is not possible) and costs EUR 17.50 per day. Both smoking and non-smoking rooms are available. The hotel also considers preferences regarding bathtubs or showers.

Hotel Rules: The check-in time for the hotel is from 14:00 hours and the check out time is until 12:00 hours. Cancellation and prepayment policies vary by room type. One child under 12 years stays free of charge when using existing bedding. All children under 2 years stay free of charge for cots. All older children or adults are charged EUR 35 per night per person for extra beds. Maximum capacity of extra beds/babycots in a room is 1. Any type of extra bed/cot or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by the hotel. Supplements will not be calculated automatically in the total costs and have to be paid separately in the hotel. Pets are not allowed. When booking more than 7 rooms, different policies and additional supplements may apply. Credit cards accepted by the hotel are American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, and Maestro. The hotel reserves the right to pre-authorize credit cards prior to arrival.

Hotel Room Types and Rates:

Single Room: € 130
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• FREE cancellation

Single Room (Advance Purchase): € 90
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• Non refundable
• Breakfast included

Double Room
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• Non refundable: € 170
• FREE cancellation: € 162

Double Room (Advance Purchase): € 153
Included in room price: 10 % VAT, Buffet breakfast
• Non refundable
• Breakfast included

Comfort Double Room: € 130
Included in room price: 10 % VAT
• FREE cancellation

The tour starting from the Upper Belvedere leads a tourist to French style baroque gardens constructed by the Dominique Girard, pupil of André Le Nôtre, who created the gardens of the French Palace of Versailles. Next you can turn to the Lower Belvedere to have a scene of and around Prince Eugene’s wealthy baroque living quarters. After with drawing from there, you can continue your journey Rennweg and move forward to Schwarzenbergplatz, with its 19th-century Hochstrahlbrunnen and to have a sight of   Red Army Monument situate behind it and as erected in 1945 in memory of Soviet soldiers who sacrificed their lives in the battles around Vienna.

Next spot there worth visiting is French Embassy, at one end of Schwarzenbergplatz and next is the baroque  St. Charles’s Church, whose two pillars at the entrance looks similar to the Trajan’s Column in Rome. After church you can pay a visit to the Vienna University of Technology that was founded in 1815 as an Imperial Polytechnic Institute.

Across the park of St. Charles’s Church is situated Musikvereinm that is one of the leading music halls in the world and residence to the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. Next to it is located is Künstlerhaus that is an exhibition halls of the Association of Austrian Artists. Farther next there is the white cube and golden roof detail of the Secession constructed to organize art nouveau exhibitions and still has very great reputation for holding and organizing shows. Next to it is Vienna’s most popular markets, Naschmarkt where one can procure fresh exotic fruit, vegetables, herbs, and local products. There are too many dining options also there from typical Austrian to Asian cuisine.

Two architectural magnificence in the Naschmarkt location is Otto Wagner’s Majolikahaus on Linke Wienzeile and the Haus mit Goldverzierungen on Linke Wienzeile 38. If one head towards Getreidemarkt on the side of the Secession building, one will easily approach towards MuseumsQuartier, which is favorite spot for art and delicious cuisines. Across from MuseumsQuartier’s main entrance there is located Maria-Theresien-Platz with Vienna’s Museum of Art History on the right and Museum of Natural History on the left. While on the tram line from Breite Gasse to Siebensterngasse, on your right you can have vivid streets and squares of Spittelberg. The area has many a nice restaurants, art galleries, and Vienna’s most beautiful Christmas markets.

• Esterházykeller:  Atmospheric old cellar restaurant that serves cheap, wine, beer, and simple traditional food. Its prices even are moderate and it is a place where a good place to go if you want to drink and grub, and rather want to enjoy and there have a local color.

• Kent cafe restaurant: This greasy kebab joint has a large garden and huge restaurant that serves moderately priced food with an infinite supply of free Turkish bread. It is good for veggies and meat eaters alike. One should even try up Turkish breakfast there.

• Maschu Maschu 1: This restaurant is nice for vegetarians as well as meat eaters alike. Maschu Maschu is an Israeli fast food joint that serves some of the best falafel in the world. One can enjoy healthy and gut busting falafel and beer that sets you up for the day.

• Maschu Maschu: Situated close to Neubaugasse under ground station is the other Maschu 2 and is trendy hang out place in the art student area of the city, and has its own unique vibe and tradition.

• Schnitzelwirt Schmidt: Shown in at every Vienna guidebook and for good reason. It provides traditional Viennese food that is good and is provided in truly prodigious portions, and in fairly cheap prices.  The Bauernschmaus is a nearly incapacitatingly large schnitzel plate, which provides with wonderful on-tap beers as may necessitate an afternoon nap.

• Akakiko: Situated on the branch on Singerstrasse, just off the Graben has ideal location for visitors and is in non-smoking zone. It is an informal and popular place serving authentic, reasonably priced Japanese and Korean dishes. Its menu also serves vegetarian section. Its waiters provide efficient services.

• Brezl-Gwölb: It is a very good restaurant that has cellar as old as from the 17th century and its furniture contains part from around three centuries. This is a place that correctly deserves the label “gemütlich”. The restaurant also play classical music and it sometimes serve unique and extraordinary dishes.

• Bio Bar von Antun: It is a very and elegant organic vegetarian and vegan restaurant and bar with colourful decor. It is best spot for anyone looking for sample traditional Viennese food like Wiener Schnitzel. More you can enjoy organic beers and wines over there.

Cafés in Vienna

Vienna’s Kaffeehäuser (coffee houses) are known around the world for their exceptional   grandness and the lively coffee house culture. If you are missing coffee houses in Vienna then you are leaving yourself away from the very big part of Viennese culture.  In the city you can visit around innumerable traditional baroque 19th or funky 20th century coffee houses where you can sit down, relax, and enjoy refreshments. Most of the cafes also serve beer, wine and liqueurs. There more also serves meals, prominently at lunch though one can get them cheaper at restaurants. Getting a Café in Vienna is very simple, most of the coffee houses in Vienna are situated around the Ring Road and main streets of the Innere Stadt for a rather cozier and less formal coffee sipping style of seventies and eighties.

• Hawelka, Café: Hardly 100 meters away from the Stephansdom, hidden in a side street, it is one of the most famous “intellectual” cafes in Vienna. It was founded in 1939. It is surprisingly cheap for its situation and its location even make its fame and person get cozy there on. Josephine Hawelka is also famous for arranging wedding and marriage parties.

• Demel: As for enjoying pastries in Vienna, you can have them anywhere in the city.  And Demel is known to be for having the best of all and once was the pastry supplier to imperial families. Therefore, it is being seemed most of the times jammed with tourists though its windows can be seen even from the street.  Outdoor seating, there is allowed even in warm weather, but it from inside is more atmospheric.

• Kleines café: As according to its name this café is rather small and was constructed by architect Hermann Czech during the 1970s for notable Austrian actor Hanno Pöschl, who still is its owner. This is a popular meeting place for artists and actors that enjoy excellent location in a quite square inside the city.    The few seats are generally occupied however are hang around and are been vacated regularly.

• Cafe-Museum: It was designed in Vienna by famous architect Adolf Loos, though its interior has completely been entirely refitted. It serves food as well as coffee, teas, and other drinks. Casual, quiet atmosphere; good non-smoking section.

• Cafe Central: This is one of the most famous Vienna coffee houses, that is renovated recently. It is designed with aesthetics for tourists and is a bit expensive for having a meal. Yet one should not forget to have coffee here. More you can enjoy here piano while sipping your cup of coffee.

• Fashion in Vienna: If you are quite a fashion enthusiast then the real place for you to roam around in Vienna is the historic center of the city of Vienna. The small and compact location of fashion center of Vienna is at the exact middle of the circle that gets formed by the Ringstrasse. All the shopping places at the Vienna center are so connected with each other that there is absolutely no need to bring  your in between. At the historic center proximity of many historical monuments with each other, have made it to be area phobic to huge shopping malls.  For renowned fashion designer labels you would have to visit through popular chains. Some of the popular centers for fashion shopping in district center are:  the Graben and Rotenturmstrasse (U-Bahn: Stephansplatz) with the spectacularly modern shopping centre of Haas House, Kärntnerstrasse (U-Bahn: Karlsplatz);   Kohlmarkt (U-Bahn: Herrengasse); Favoritenstrasse (U-Bahn: Süditrolerplatz); and Landstrasser Hauptstrasse (U-Bahn: Schlachthausgasse).

• Confectioneries in Vienna: Next to fashion the next uniqueness for what Vienna should be remembered is its chocolate topped Sachertorte. This is always advisable for sweet lovers as wells as not to sweet lovers those they should always visit state of the art confectionery shop in Vienna.  Below are mentioned some popular sweet shops in Vienna that a person should always pay interest and heed while on a tour of Vienna. The shops follows like as:

1. Grand Cacao: Located in Schleifmühlgasse, never fails to astonish chocolate connoisseurs with such rare treats as Tuscanian choco noodles or beans with choco rasps.

1. Xocolat: At Palais Ferstel arcade, it gives around 150 different types of chocolates to taste.

1. Schokoladekönig: Occurring near to St. Peter’s Church, has an in-store choco fountain into which customers can dip fresh fruit.

1. Sacher Confiserie: Towards the State Opera House, has been producing the most famous chocolate cake in the world since 1832

• Shops in Vienna: Shopping in Vienna is a pure pleasure. The city attracts tourists with its large department stores, the most prestigious being Ringstrassen Galerien. The main shopping district is marked by four major streets: Mariahilferstreet, Graben, Kärntnerstreet and Kohlmarkt. There, you can choose from a variety of fashionable boutiques, from the most luxurious by Louis Vuitton, Escada, Gucci and Chanel to the more affordable H&M and Jackpot. There are also numerous gourmet temples such as Meinl at the Graben, Sacher, or Demel, where you’ll find traditional Viennese delicacies such as apple strudel or Schwarzwälder Kirschbombe. As the city of porcelain, Vienna also boasts several manufactures, such as the noble Augarten Porzellan, offering a wide variety of beautiful hand-crafted china figurines. On the outskirts, there are huge factory outlets such as Parndorf and Leoville, where you can buy original designer clothes at low prices, just one hour by car from Vienna.

• Malls in Vienna: However, if it is a fancy for you or you found real enjoyment of shopping in Mall then even at that front too, thee  you would get and see Vienna anyway hardly away from your dreams and there malls has to offer all from jeans to traditional souvenirs. A distance away from the city is located designer cloths on very reasonable and attractive prices.

• Gift Shops in Vienna: There many a good surprises are stored for shopaholics other than the big and large departmental stores. There too are many a good number of smaller shops in Vienna that offers   goods specializing in music, books and antiques. When you searching for a gift in Vienna then you should always visit for city’s centers of attractions like Meinl at the Graben, Sacher or Demel. There you get traditional Viennese delicacies like as Mozart pralines and marzipan truffles. You too also go to factories making porcelain that offers beautiful hand-crafted decorative items. Any you would always get something always to shop there at Vienna with respect small and miniatures items to be gifted away.

• Markets in Vienna: Vienna is too known and is better famous for its conventional Christmas markets that are famous among locals as well as tourists with common interest and tastes. These event markets get organized at the primary squares of the city like as at the Vienna Christmas Market in front of City Hall. Other than handmade Christmas tree decorations, there you can get your rare books and number of precious antiques shops though some permanent and proper markets in Vienna to shop around are Innere Stadt, Leopoldstadt, Landstraße, Wieden, Margareten, Mariahilf, Neubau, Josefstadt, Alsergrund, Favoriten, Simmering, Meidling, Hietzing, Penzing, Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus, Ottakring, Hernals, Währing, Döbling, Brigittenau, Floridsdorf, Donaustadt and Liesing.